What are the conditions linked to periodontal disease?

Conditions linked to periodontal disease include:

• heart disease and heart attack
• stroke
• diabetes
• memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's disease
• miscarriage, preeclampsia and preterm birth
• pneumonia and other lung diseases
• cancer of the blood, pancreas, tongue, lung and kidney
• osteoporosis

No one can say with certainty that periodontal disease causes or exacerbates any of these conditions, or whether treating periodontal disease will prevent them, but taking care of your teeth and gums is a good policy, one that can prevent gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, pain and money.
 
 

Periodontal disease, a severe form of gum disease, may increase your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. In pregnant woman, periodontal disease can increase the risk for premature birth and babies with low birth weight. It is not yet established whether gum disease such as periodontitis actually causes these conditions, but preventing gum disease, or treating it if it occurs, may have significant health benefits. The causation can run the other way, too: People with poorly-controlled diabetes, for example, often have dental problems, including gum disease such as periodontitis.